Patient/caregiver was educated on foods to be included on diet by individuals with osteoarthritis as follows:
Low omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats:
- Consumption of food products rich in omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats is known to aggravate inflammation, leading to exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with history of arthritis.
- Products low in omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats include seed and vegetable oils such as, safflower oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.
- Individuals with history of arthritis should prefer use of the above mentioned oils for cooking and consumption.
High omega-3 fatty acid foods:
- Omega-3 fatty acids are known to control inflammation and contribute to prevent exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with arthritis.
- Products high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish and seafood, such as, salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines.
- Vegetable sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts & seeds, such as, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds and individuals with history of arthritis should increasingly prefer use of the above mentioned foods for improved control of arthritis symptoms.
Beverages:
- Alcohol in general causes inflammation in various body parts and also, impairs the ability of human body to regulate/control the inflammation. But red wine is known to be rich in antioxidants, which destroy the chemicals causing the inflammation.
- A glass of red wine every day can contribute towards pain relief in individuals with arthritis. Alcohol could interact with many medications individuals could be on and cause other side-effects.
- Check with your physician on your allowance for intake of alcoholic beverages. Also, green tea is known to benefit arthritis patients by preventing the exacerbation of symptoms due to the rich antioxidant content.
